Fertility Tests for Men at Leading Fertility Clinics
In as many as half of couples who are struggling with infertility, the cause of the infertility is either partly or entirely due to the male partner. This is not surprising, as studies have shown that sperm counts have been dropping sharply all around the world.
Because male infertility is most often caused by a medical condition, it can in most cases be treated effectively – if the cause of the infertility is determined accurately. Fortunately, this is possible thanks to a range of advanced and trusted tests for men available at leading fertility clinics. In this article, we explain what tests you can expect when you visit a world-class fertility clinic such as Medfem Fertility Clinic.
Many people are surprised to find out that a couple’s infertility can also be caused by a medical condition in the male partner. Yet, the reality is that in as many as half of infertility cases, the cause of the infertility lies partly or entirely with the male partner.
This is not surprising when considering the latest research in male fertility recently published in the Human Reproduction Update journal, which analysed sperm samples of a combined 57,000 men across 53 countries. It found that in the last 50 years, average human sperm concentrations dropped by 51.6%, and total sperm counts dropped by 62.3%.
What causes infertility in men?
While the study did not investigate potential causes of sperm declines, previous research has tied poor sperm quality and lower sperm counts to environmental and lifestyle factors such as exposure to pesticides and pollutants from fossil fuels, as well as a lack of physical activity, a poor diet, smoking and alcohol and drug misuse.
In addition to these factors, there are also many other possible causes for male infertility. Most often, however, male infertility is related to sperm disorders. In fact, as many as two thirds of men who are experiencing fertility challenges are affected by damage to sperm production due to, for example, testicular injury, undescended testes, twisted testes, cancer treatments, varicocele (an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum) and genetic problems.
These and other medical conditions could result in the sperm are not being produced in adequate numbers, or are of poor quality or are not swimming well, or are obstructed from reaching the penis, or are being attacked by antibodies from either the male himself or his female partner. In addition, there may be an imbalance of the hormones that allow sperm development and support.
The exact cause of a sperm disorder can usually only be determined medically, because erections, intercourse and ejaculation will usually happen normally and the quantity and appearance of the ejaculated semen generally seem normal to the naked eye.
Determining the exact cause of the infertility challenge faced by the male partner is crucial, because only an accurate diagnosis based on testing can ensure effective and successful treatment. For this reason, it is very important to choose a leading fertility clinic that offers all the latest and most advanced fertility tests.
Determining the cause of male infertility
Fortunately, thanks to modern science, many advanced tests are available to determine the exact cause of male infertility from the diverse range of possible causes.
When you visit Medfem Fertility Clinic, we will conduct the tests are most pertinent for you as a unique individual, to ensure that the exact cause of your infertility can be pinpointed and treated effectively.
During your first 30 – 60 minute consultation at Medfem Fertility Clinic, one of our qualified and experience fertility specialists will review your medical history with you, and perform both a physical exam and blood tests to reveal a number of possible causes of infertility.
Because damage to sperm production affects two thirds of men who are experiencing fertility challenges, one of the first tests done to help determine whether a man has infertility problems will also focus on determining the quantity and quality of male sperm. This is done through a semen analysis.
A semen analysis measures the amount of semen produced and reveals the number and quality of sperm in the semen sample.
It measures the volume of semen and takes a sperm count to determine how much sperm is present in one ejaculation. A semen analysis also determines sperm morphology, which is the percentage of sperm that have a normal shape, and measures sperm motility, which refers to the percentage of sperm that can move forward normally. The analysis further reveals the acidity (low pH) or alkalinity (high pH) of the semen, the level of sugar called fructose in the semen that provides energy for the sperm, and the presence of white blood cells, which are not normally present in semen.
Depending on the results, further tests may be conducted, and this might include an ultrasound or a testicular biopsy.
An ultrasound examination of the testes and prostate provide a picture of the testes and epididymis, and is also useful for diagnosing testicular cancer and varicocele. A testicular biopsy involves the removal of a small sample of the tissue from a testicle to enable direct inspection of the sperm-making tissue.
These tests in most cases pinpoint the cause of the fertility challenges faced, which then allows your fertility specialist to recommend the best possible treatment or combination of treatments from a substantial list of options, including for example, hormonal therapy, varicocele repair, surgical sperm retrieval, testicular sperm aspiration or extraction, percutaneous or microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration, vasectomy reversal, artificial or intrauterine insemination (IUI), sperm freezing and storage, sperm donation and ICSI.
ICSI or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, for example, is one of the major breakthroughs in the treatment of male infertility. It requires only a few normal sperm and its success rate is around 70%, which means that this treatment gives even men who were previously considered completely sterile an excellent chance to have their own child.
Choose the right fertility clinic for male fertility tests
Selecting the right treatment from the extensive range of options available is only possible once the exact cause of the male infertility challenge is identified – and there is only one way of determining for certain what the exact cause of your male fertility challenge is: getting the right tests done by a registered and accredited fertility expert.
At Medfem Fertility Clinic, male fertility tests are provided by a team of highly qualified and experienced fertility experts and embryologists; and trained, qualified theatre staff, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists and specialist pharmacists in state-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced technologies to maintain a leading pregnancy success rate.
At Medfem we believe in helping you reach your family dream through:
* World-Class Fertility for Everyone – we believe in making world-class fertility treatments available for everyone
* A Positive Fertility Journey – It is our joy and commitment to give you a positive outcome to your fertility journey
* Delivered With Empathy & Caring – So you may have a fond memory, of a feeling of empathy, caring and being part of the Medfem family
If you would like to meet one of our fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic, simply click here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.
Our Fertility Specialists can also meet with You During a Virtual Consultation Via Zoom or Skype. Click here to book a virtual consultation now.
We look forward to meeting you at Medfem Fertility Clinic!